Contouring Tips

Apply the contouring powder or cream along the edges of your forehead, under the cheekbones and edges of the nose line.

By Zareen Muzaffar

You don’t need to splurge on contouring kits in order to get “the look.” Chances are you already have all you need, so here’s how to get started.

Prep Your Skin
Never forget to moisturize. On certain humid days you can replace the moisturizer with a primer and create the perfect canvas to work on. Primer helps ease out any lines on the face and serves as a buffer between your skin and makeup application.

Contouring Basics and Tools
The basics you need for contouring include a concealer, foundation (if needed), highlighter, illuminating cream and good quality brushes (I recommend Sigma or Real Technique brushes). And then there’s the Beauty Blender sponge which is great for blending. But some of us are comfortable and proficient using fingertips so go ahead by all means.

(Available at Sephora)

Contouring Kit
Contouring kits will contain shades a tone or two darker than your foundation. You will be applying the contouring powder or cream along the edges of your forehead, under the cheekbones and edges of the nose line. Although there are many contouring kits available, Makeup Forever’s sculpting kit and WOW by Wujooh’s contouring palette will definitely give you the desired effect. MAC has also got a variety of contouring creams available. If you want to opt for a powder kit, Marc Jacobs has one called the Light Filtering Contour Powder Kit.

• Makeup Forever and Marc Jacob’s(Available at Sephora)

• Mac Store
(Riyadh Gallery, Kingdom Mall, Sahara Mall and Al Qasr)

Concealer Application
Don’t think concealer is just for under eyes. While preparing your skin for contouring, make sure you apply the concealer liberally. After using it under the eyes, dab and pat it around the nose, any blemishes on the skin, between the eyebrows and a little on the eyelids to neutralize the complexion.

Illuminating Powder or Cream
This is the magic ingredient that provides the glowing effect so make sure you apply it in all the places you want to accentuate. For a youthful effect, apply the cream liner (in off-white, silver or golden) to the inner corner of the eyes, cupids brow (just above the lips), bridge of the nose and chin. Blend well for the right effect and glowing complexion. For the highlighter, you can’t go wrong with Benefit’s High Beam that will give the dewy natural afterglow and Makeup Forever’s Uplight Luminizer Gel that contains 70 percent water for a fresh lightweight texture. Apply on the apple of your cheeks for a radiant glow.